Summary Semper Fly Helicopters opens new headquarters in Norman, Oklahoma at Max Westheimer Airport. Company aims to help close global shortage of 61,000 helicopter pilots by 2038. University of Oklahoma partners with Semper Fly to offer helicopter pilot training, strengthening state's aerospace industry.
In late July, Semper Fly Helicopters officially opened its new headquarters at Max Westheimer Airport (OUN), based in Norman, Oklahoma . The helicopter training facility will be used as the main pilot training facility for students at the University of Oklahoma, which is also based in Norman, Oklahoma, who are training to be helicopter pilots. Currently, the University of Oklahoma has one of the top aviation schools in the nation, and this new expansion will further expand the college's offerings.
New helicopter training facility According to World Aviation , a study conducted by Boeing , one of the largest helicopter manufacturers in the world, estimated that by 2038, there will be a shortage of approximately 61,000 helicopter pilots worldwide, mostly due to much of the workforce expected to retire. The study also found that between 2022 and 2029, the industry will grow by about 6% annually. However, Semper Fly Helicopters, which is based in Norman, Oklahoma, will look to help close this gap.
The company was initially founded in 2022 but recently moved to Max Westheimer Airport in Norman. The Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Brandi Rector, who is also a Marine Vet.